Friday, October 10, 2014

Trader Joe's Favorites

Let's talk Trader Joe's. I love it for many reasons - the prices are great, they offer a lot of organics and all house brand items are Non-GMO (but not labeled that way, read why here), it's small which means I can do my shopping quickly, and it's a fun environment. Want to try something? Just ask an employee and they'll open it for you - including wine! However, they do have one big con in my book: I've had to take moldy cheese and bad chicken back more than a handful of times. They are always apologetic but I've learned it's easier to not buy those items anymore. Still, it's not enough to keep me away. Besides their frozen veggies and produce, here are my favorite Trader Joe's staples.

Tomato soup

The taste is perfect and added bonus is that it's not in a can.

Nuts and berries of every form

We're big nuts and berry eaters around here and the variety and prices can't be beat.

Ch-ch-ch-chia seeds

Again, the price is great and everybody gets a tablespoon in their morning smoothies. Fiber is your friend!

Fully cooked bacon

Vance and I don't eat bacon but the other two do. BLAT's are perfect for quick dinners and this keeps me from having to actually cook bacon.

Steamed lentilsReady to eat on their own or can be added to recipes. I just made Smitten Kitchen's stewed lentils and tomatoes and these lentils were perfect. Just toss them in about 10 minutes before serving to warm them up.

This is the kids favorite fun drink. Added bonus is that it's not too bad with vodka. It's bubbly but not too sweet.

Naan

Not just for Indian food! Goes with everything, especially with the above mentioned steamed lentils, and can double as a pizza crust. They sell a garlic flavor one that is good too!

Frozen brown rice

A huge time saver for me. Comes in microwavable pouches, but I don't cook it that way. Just empty the bag of rice into a glass bowl then microwave. Sometimes I add a handful of frozen broccoli to it and cook it all together. This is Vaughn's favorite quick meal. I've tried the organic version but didn't like it as much.

we like any of their trail mixes as well. I don't buy much of their frozen meals anymore because of the smaller servings. My family are big eaters and it just never was enough for us. I do love to buy their frozen green beans. HUGE bag for $1.99. They are full cut and super yummy. Logan loves their Herb Popcorn and their wine section is ALWAYS fun to check out. :)

ours is supposed to open in Southlake sooooon! they keep pushing back the opening and it's maddening. i've been driving to Highland Park and getting that chocolate coconut ice cream! delish! here are some of our faves latelythe baked snap peas in the chip sectionthe have the best canned pumpkinthe best brown rice pasta hands down!!love their sheep's milk fetachicken sausages are yum! banana chipsand the dark chocolate nutty bits. to. die. for.